Avoiding Car Accidents Caused By Sun Glare

One common and sadly unavoidable hazard when driving during the day is glare from the sun. If you drive regularly, you’ve likely experienced the damage glare can do. Imagine coming around a corner or cresting a hill in your vehicle only to suddenly be blinded when the sun shines directly into your eyes. While you fumble for the visor on your vehicle and squint into the glare, you run the risk of getting into an auto accident due to being unable to see. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of getting into an accident caused by glare.

Wear Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are one of your best weapons against sun glare. If you wear regular corrective lenses, consider getting a tinted pair to wear when you are driving to protect your eyes from the sun.

Use the Car’s Sun Visor: Position the sun visor of your car to block the sun. Do this when you start driving, not just when the sun actually starts shining in your eyes. Get in the habit of pulling the visor down in the morning and evening whether you end up needing it during your drive or not.

Keep the Windshield Clean: Clean the inside and outside of the windshield and make sure they are free of streaks. Dirt and grime scatter light that falls on the windshield and can make the glare worse.

Maintain the Windshield and Wipers: Old windshield wipers cause streaks that lead to glare on the windshield, so replace them when they start to wear down. In addition, cracks and chips to the windshield also manipulate light and may make glare more intense.

Clear the Dashboard: Items on the dashboard can reflect light back onto the windshield or into your eyes. Both can be dangerous when you are driving, so if you find glare to be an issue, remove the things you have on your dash and place them in other areas of the vehicle.

Keep a Safe Distance: Drive defensively during the morning and evening when the risk of glare is high. Follow vehicles in front of you at a distance so you have more time to stop when visibility is low. Say focused on the road and be prepared to stop or swerve quickly if you or another driver is affected by sung glare.

Turn on Your Lights: Headlights aren’t just for when it’s dark out. Turning your lights on during the morning and evening to give other vehicles on the road an extra heads up that you are there. Turning on the headlights makes you easier to see even when the sun is in the other driver’s eyes.

These simple tips can greatly reduce your risk of getting into an accident cause by glare from the sun. They’re easy to do and can save a life on the road.